The Bismarck State College Music program presents its Jazz Ensemble in concert with special guest Big Al's Big Band Friday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. in Sidney J. Lee Auditorium.
John Darling directs the Jazz Ensemble in a nine-piece set that includes everything from New Orleans 2nd line groove and jazz samba to funk and big band gospel. "Afro Blue" has an Afro-Cuba 6/8 feel while the big band swing of "Broadway" shows Sammy Nestico at his best. An arrangement of Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" features a unique combination of samba and swing.
The program contains student solo performances by Katie Kirschmann in Gershwin's sumptuous ballad, "Summertime," and David Sokolofsky on flugel horn in Chuck Mangione's classic '80s hit, "Feels So Good."
Big Al's Big Band takes over the second half with a sampling of music from the swing era under the direction of Rex Waddingham. The two ensembles combine for a finale of "Make Me Smile," a Chicago band hit written by Chicago trombonist James Pankow.
A reception follows the concert. The public is welcome at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.
About Big Al's Big Band
Big Al's Big Band is an 18-piece group originally known as the BSC Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble. Erv Ely, longtime BSC director of bands, founded it in 1982. After Ely retired in 1996, band member Al Bertsch took over. Charter members still playing are current director Rex Waddingham on trumpet, Mark Learn, saxophone, and Steve Vogelpohl, trombone. The group plays big band tunes made famous by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Gene Kruppa, Louis Prima and many others.
About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.
John Darling directs the Jazz Ensemble in a nine-piece set that includes everything from New Orleans 2nd line groove and jazz samba to funk and big band gospel. "Afro Blue" has an Afro-Cuba 6/8 feel while the big band swing of "Broadway" shows Sammy Nestico at his best. An arrangement of Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" features a unique combination of samba and swing.
The program contains student solo performances by Katie Kirschmann in Gershwin's sumptuous ballad, "Summertime," and David Sokolofsky on flugel horn in Chuck Mangione's classic '80s hit, "Feels So Good."
Big Al's Big Band takes over the second half with a sampling of music from the swing era under the direction of Rex Waddingham. The two ensembles combine for a finale of "Make Me Smile," a Chicago band hit written by Chicago trombonist James Pankow.
A reception follows the concert. The public is welcome at no charge during ArtsQuest, BSC's month-long celebration of the arts.
About Big Al's Big Band
Big Al's Big Band is an 18-piece group originally known as the BSC Tuesday Night Jazz Ensemble. Erv Ely, longtime BSC director of bands, founded it in 1982. After Ely retired in 1996, band member Al Bertsch took over. Charter members still playing are current director Rex Waddingham on trumpet, Mark Learn, saxophone, and Steve Vogelpohl, trombone. The group plays big band tunes made famous by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Gene Kruppa, Louis Prima and many others.
About Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College, an innovative community college in Bismarck, N.D., offers high quality education, workforce training, and enrichment programs reaching local and global communities.